CENTENNIAL, Colo. /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear
Americas announced today that the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved the Nucleus CI422 with Slim Straight Electrode, the newest
electrode in its broad portfolio of implantable hearing solutions. The Slim
Straight, along with other Cochlear electrodes, is uniquely designed for
preservation of delicate cochlear structures, to deliver the best possible
hearing performance and to accommodate specific preferences with anatomy and
technique in the widest range of patient conditions.

"This approval underscores Cochlear's design
philosophy, which is to take the very best of what we've learned from each
generation of electrode and apply it to improve the next," said Chris
Smith, President of Cochlear Americas. "The addition of the Nucleus CI422,
the world's thinnest, full length electrode, to our comprehensive portfolio is
a strong testament to our ongoing collaboration with surgeons and clinicians to
help meet the individual needs of patients."

Cochlear continues to empower surgeons with electrodes that
accommodate elements of preservation, insertion, stimulation and
performance. Within the portfolio, there are distinct categories of high
performance electrodes, each with 22 active contacts, designed for insertions
into scala tympani to maximize hearing performance. All Cochlear Nucleus
electrodes contain a unique balance of features intended to preserve the
delicate structures of the inner ear. The new Slim Straight takes this to the
next level with its patented unique design combination of apical flexibility
and basal support to allow for a smooth single motion insertion and minimal
trauma. In addition, the electrode features a patented Softip and half banded
contacts for a smooth silicone lateral wall surface.

"Different patients, surgical preferences and
audiological conditions require unique solutions," said Dr. Pete Weber,
Chief Medical Officer for Cochlear. "Each of Cochlear's tailored, high
performance electrodes exhibits a powerful combination of individual features,
state of the art materials and hearing performance capability, all designed to
enable the very best outcomes in each patient - whether that be a child or adult."

About Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are a proven medical option for children as young as 12
months old with profound hearing loss in both ears, for children who are two
years or older with severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears who obtain
little or no benefit from hearing aids, and for adults with
moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears. They are electronic devices,
typically covered by health insurance, which bypass damaged hair cells in the
inner ear, or cochlea, and stimulate the hearing nerve directly.

About Cochlear

Cochlear is the world leader in advanced hearing technologies. Since launching
the first multichannel cochlear implant system 30 years ago, Cochlear Limited
and its U.S.
headquarters have brought the miracle of sound to more than 250,000 people with
hearing loss across the globe. For more information about Cochlear Americas
products, please visit www.cochlearamericas.com.